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Christmas Celebrations in North America
In the United States and Canada, people decorate
their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths, and
ornaments, city streets sparkle with colored lights,
and the sound of bells and Christmas carols fills
the air. During the weeks before Christmas, children
write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what
presents they would like to receive. Many department
stores hire people to wear a
Santa Claus
costume and
listen to children's requests, people share holiday
greetings by sending Christmas cards to relatives
and friends, many companies give presents to their
employees. Children believe the presents are brought
by
Santa Claus, who arrives on Christmas Eve in a
sleigh pulled by reindeer and leaves presents under
the Christmas tree and in stockings. In many parts
of the United States and Canada, groups of carolers
walk from house to house and sing Christmas songs.
Some people give the singers money or small gifts or
invite them in for a warm drink.
Many Christmas customs that are popular in the
United States and Canada originated in the United
Kingdom. These customs include sending Christmas
cards and hanging a sprig of mistletoe in a room or
hallway. According to tradition, a person may kiss
anyone standing under the mistletoe. On Christmas
Eve, children hang up stockings for Father
Christmas, the British version of
Santa
Claus, to
fill with
presents.
In England, dinner on Christmas Day features roast
turkey and dessert of mince pie and plum pudding.
During the days before Christmas, children or groups
of adults go from house to house singing
Christmas
carols. Children ask for money for themselves, but
adults usually ask for money for charity. This
tradition began many years ago, when visitors sang
carols in return for a drink from the wassail bowl.
The bowl contained hot punch made from ale, apples,
eggs, sugar, and spices. The word wassail comes from
'Was haile,' an old Saxon greeting that means
" Be
healthy"! Today, English people at large parties
still drink punch, but it is usually made from wine
and other alcoholic beverages, fruit, and spices.
Many people of Irish origin put a lighted candle in their
window on Christmas Eve as a sign of welcome to Mary
and Joseph. Some people have caroling contests
during the weeks before Christmas. Roast turkey is
the main course for dinner. People in Scotland also
have roast turkey and exchange small gifts. Some
Scottish families decorate a Christmas tree and sing
carols, but most hold their main celebrations on New
Year's Day.
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